Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have convened in Cebu, Philippines, for an annual retreat to help chart the bloc’s agenda for 2026, reinforcing diplomatic co-operation amid regional tensions.
The retreat, scheduled as part of the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN, aimed to address a range of priority issues, including economic resilience, security co-operation and strategic dialogues with external partners.
The gathering shows Southeast Asia’s emphasis on collective engagement in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges, the state-run Philippine News Agency said in a news report.
Pushing for early conclusion of a South China Sea code
A central focus of regional diplomacy is the long-awaited Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, a framework intended to manage maritime disputes involving China and ASEAN member states.
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and ASEAN spokesperson Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial said that the discussions in Cebu reflect a shared determination among all parties to accelerate negotiations and strive for an agreement within 2026.
This marks a “movement” relative to past meetings where progress was limited.
The Code of Conduct, originally envisaged to provide rules to avert escalation in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways, has been under negotiation for years, according to GMA news.
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Philippines and China: intensified dialogue
As ASEAN chair, the Philippines has sought to leverage its position to expedite CoC talks with China.
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan noted that consultations have become “more frequent and intensive,” reflecting a shared interest in keeping communication channels open despite unresolved issues, including overlapping territorial claims and recent maritime confrontations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has emphasised the importance of finalising the code this year.
Diplomatic efforts
This push to conclude the COC happens against a backdrop of heightened Philippines-China tensions in the disputed waters.
Manila has lodged formal diplomatic representations to Beijing over escalatory rhetoric, stressing diplomacy and respect for international norms amid ongoing disputes.
Despite longstanding challenges and divergent interests, ASEAN ministers and external partners are focused on a cooperative outcome.
The coming weeks of negotiations in Cebu will be critical in determining whether the bloc and China can bridge divides and produce a substantive, stable framework for the South China Sea.
The members of ASEAN are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
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